filthy engine. how to clean?

the engine on my maxim has been removed while i stripped and repainted the frame.
now it is time to re-mount the engine. It is however completely filthy
what is the best way to get all of this crap off?
someone i know advocates covering all holes/wires, spraying with degreaser and then using a hose to rinse.

will this damage the engine?
if so how do you clean the engine?

 

Buy a case of cheap Brake Cleaner spray, some assorted paint brushes, and start spraying and scrubbing. I plug off any holes to the internal engine with balled up latex gloves. They seal well and form to exhaust and intake ports well. This method has worked well for me and leaves a surface ready for paint or detailing as there is no residue after it evaporates.

Regards
XJ750GUY

 

Yup, I second the idea of using brake cleaner on the engine. It cuts the grease and leaves it squeeky clean.

 

There was a post a number of months ago on how to clean the bike including the engine. Also some information on how to "clear coat" the engine.

I've been looking with the search , but have been unable to find it.

 

simple green let it set for abit an hit with a power washer. use common sense with the power washer.

 

low odor mineral spirits and a toothbrush and other brushes, etc.

 

On the 550 I did, I used degreaser and hot soapy water until it was pretty clean but there was badly baked on crap that I just couldn't shift so I sprayed with oven cleaner and rinsed fairly quickly as that stuff is mean.... Worked a treat for getting the last of the crap off

 

I have a device made by Miracle-Gro that hooks-up to the hose and mixes-in a concentrate to the output of the hose at a ratio of 30:1.

I go to the corner store and buy a few bottles of Dawn de-greaser. Dump all three into a pail and add a gallon and a half of water. Stir making a nice concentrate.

I put the pick-up tube of the Miracle-Gro Brass Siphon Device in the concentrate.

Warm-up bike.
Shoot complete engine with biodegradable STP Engine Cleaner
wait 15 Minutes.
Rinse off with hose connected to Dawn concentrate. Heavy stream.

"Dawn's rich foaming action cuts through even that tough bakes-on grease; leaving nothing behind but a squeaky-clean shine right down to the fine bright aluminum allow.

Next: I fire-up the 2.5 HP Two-stroke, 220 Mph, Leaf Blower and Blow-off the Engine and everything else washed clean after the concentrate runs out and just plain water comes out the hose.

Nice and dry!
Clean living.
Couldn't be easier.

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